Have you ever been to Mt,Fuji? Mt, Fuji is the most famous and highest mountain in Japan. It stands on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. I think Shizuoka prefectures reminds me of Mt, Fuji. actually I am also one of them but If you have time It might be a good idea to go to the Izu in Shizuoka prefectures the next. you can have a lot of experience traditional Japanese culture and you can feeling the air of nature in Izu
Izu peninsula
Izu peninsula located in eastern Shizuoka prefectures, as symbolized in Atami, Ito and Shimoda there are a lot of sightseeing spot, which are popular for their beaches and hot spring. And then It also known as surrounded by mountains and the sea so you can eat something nice and fresh cuisine.
How to get the Izu
Let me introduce my recommended how to get to Izu from Tokyo by train. If you go from Osaka, you should get on the Tokaido Shinkansen and get off at the Tokyo stations.
JR Tokaido Shinkansen
Shinkansen is convenient and faster from Tokyo to Atami and Mishima.Izu is easily accessible from Tokyo and it took within 1 hours get to there.
Between Tokyo and Atami costs around 3740 yen one way by non-reserved seat and It takes about 45 minutes and Between Tokyo and Mishima costs around 4070 yen one way by non-reserved seat and It takes about 50 minutes. But if you want to go to the direction of Izukyu-Shimoda station or Shuzenji station you need to transfer at there.
The Odoriko limited express train
There are two kinds of limited express train, named Odoriko and Saphir Odoriko.
1. Odoriko
Odoriko is a limited express train from Tokyo to Izu.Compared with the Shinkansen it’s takes a little time but train fare is a bit cheap.
Between Tokyo and Atami costs around 3500 yen one way by non-reserved seat and it takes about 80 minutes, Between Tokyo and Ito costs around 3600 yen, Between Tokyo and Shuzenji costs around 4300 yen, Between Tokyo and Izukyu-Shimoda costs around 5800 yen.
The train fare for arrival and departure from Shinjuku station are the same as The train fare for arrival and departure from Tokyo station.
2. Saphir Odoriko
Saphir Odoriko train is only Green Car and Premium Green Car seats and people who get on this train must make a reservation in advance. This train is running on between Tokyo or Shinjuku and Izukyu-Shimoda and it takes about 150 minutes. The train fare depends on which grade you choose.
It’s a bit expensive compared to others train but it is really luxurious and you can relax while enjoying the beautiful view. There are also private room, you can enjoy many different Japanese food.
Izukyu Resorts 21
If you have time and want to see a great view, It is a good idea to get on this train.This train has only nonｰreserved seat and it is running on between Atami and IzukyuｰShimoda. it costs about 2000 yen. And then they are selling many special oneｰday tickets
Local train
This train is cheapest way to get to the Tokyo to Izu. but instead, It takes a long time.
In the case of getting to this train, Take a Tokaido Main Line from Tokyo to Atami and transfer to Ito line. And then take a Izu kyuko Line from Ito to IzuｰKogen. It costs around 3000 yen for a one way tickets and It takes about 180 minutes in total.
Kadowaki Suspension bridge
There is a place called Kadowaki Suspension bridge in Jogasaki Coast. this is a really popular spot. The length of the bridge is 157.48 feet and the height is about 75.459 feet and it’s so huge.
The view from this suspension bridge is very impressive and looking down from above is very scary. Not only that, there is a walking course called Jogasaki Picnical Course a walk along the coast. The course is about 3 kilometers, if you’re interested, have a try!!
Pottery experience
There are so many places you can experience Japanese culture in Izu. Among them, we chose pottery and went to pottery class called Hyoutangama. This class is a reservation is needed beforehand and normally closed on Thursday.
Hyoutangama is a cozy pottery class and the teacher were very kind and teach me anything. you can make a pottery two per person. And then the total is 7500 yen for four person.
I made rice bowl and plate which is a same with my husband.
when you pottery, you can make size and shape as you like and you may choose one color from several kinds of colors.
It was a little harder than I thought but I had a good time.
When the artwork is completed, they send it to me but the shipping fee will be charged.
Leｰfeuillage bakery
I recommend eat breakfast here. There are a lot of different kinds of bread and this place is surrounded by nature, you can relax. Of course, there is not only breakfast but also lunch. this bakery is open from 9:00 am to 17:00 pm and normally closed on Tuesday. you can eat in here or take away. Additionally there is also a table on the terrace so you can feel nature. especially those who a rented car, I recommend you to go here because this area is a little far from the station.
Eating sushi in Uoiso
Have you ever tried conveyor belt sushi? conveyor belt sushi is not only do they have sushi, they also have a variety of dishes such as udon, ramen, miso soup, fried food and dessert that are delivered on the conveyor belt. Especially if you come to Izu, I recommend that you eat seafood. That place is surrounded by mountains and the sea, and so there is a lot of fresh fish and vegetables.
We went to a conveyor belt sushi called Uoiso. I strongly recommend this Sushi restaurant because all food is really good! In my case the salmon was so good and I ate three.this restaurant is open from 11:00 am to 20:30 pm and irregular holidays. this restaurant is also recommended for those who a rented car but you can also get there by bus from Izu-Kogen station. If you go by bus, take the Shaboten Park bound bus and get off at Izu Granpal Park, and then it takes about 10 minutes from the station to Uoiso on foot.
Hot Spring at Izu-kogen no yu
When I think of Izu I imagine the Hot Spring. We went to take a day trip to the hot springs in Izu-Kogen no yu. There are open-air bath and mud hot springs surrounded by a lush green nature and you can relax. especially mud hot springs is very interesting, because you can take a photo in the photo booth after put some mud on your face. There are a lot of different kinds of hot springs such as the sauna and the water bath in this hot springs. Izu-Kogen no yu is open from 10:00 am to 23:00 pm and it is closed on the first and third Thursday of every month. The admission is 1000 yen for adults, 500 yen for kids. you can also go to there in a rental car or you can walk from Izu-Kogen station.
・Hot Spring at Izu-kogen no yu
Izu Granpal Park
Izu Granpal Park is for the whole family. because there are an amusement park, zip line, dog run and various events. not only that, such as you can enjoy shopping and good restaurants here. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time, so we just went shopping.
Izu-no-Heso Roadside Station
I highly recommend this roadside station because you can experience anything here. for example, you can buy fresh vegetables, souvenirs and local specialty. I bought various types of snacks. this shop is open from 9:00 am to 17:00 pm. In addition, there is a place called strawberry Bon Bon BERRY Izu-no-Kuni factory in this place because Shizuoka prefecture is known for strawberries they produce. you can enjoy various desserts such as Japanese sweets and western sweets. The souvenirs corner of this shop is open from 9:00 am to 17:00 pm and cafe is open from 10:00 am to 15:30 pm. if you like drink, there is a brewery here and you can enjoy local craft beer. and then there is a buffet restaurant that uses a lot of local ingredients. Monday thru Friday, lunch is open from 11:00 am to 14:00 pm and dinner is open from 17:00 pm to 20:00 pm. Saturday, Sunday and Holiday, lunch is open from 11:00 am to 15:00 pm and dinner is open from 17:00 pm to 20:00 pm.
Moreover, it’s a good idea to rent a bicycle at MERIDA X BASE. If you use a rental bicycle, you can also use the locker and bathe in the hot springs. this shop is open from 9:00 am to 18:00 pm and I recommend you make a reservation. Lastly, there is also a hotel here. this hotel is fun for the whole family and it’s okay if there are many people. In addition there is hot springs, the room is really cute and the accommodation fee is reasonably priced.
I hope you like it. Thank you for always reading my blog. See you next trip!
